Dispatches from the Field

Kerry Wolfe

Do You Suffer from Imposter Syndrome?

Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”.

Sound familiar?

I know I have struggled with bouts of it on a regular basis over my career.

As an Entrepreneur in the Web Development and Digital Marketing space, there is always going to be something I don’t know. The industry moves at the speed of light and the entire world is working day and night developing new technologies and tools.

I have to give myself a break and accept, I can’t know everything.

Although I can’t know everything, I can do a few things to manage the specter of the Imposter Syndrome.

Again, I have to accept I can’t know everything

I need to realize I don’t “need’ to know everything.

I can develop resources that provide me with the information and skills I might need:

I belong to user groups and cultivate relationships with experts that specialize in the knowledge and skills I am weak on.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is, it’s OK to say, “I don’t know.”

That said, I block out an hour or two every day devoted to keeping up with the latest developments in my industry and learning new skills. This is crucial. If I’m not moving forward, I’m getting left behind.